Department of Food Science and Technology

One of the nation’s oldest established programs, our world-class faculty, research, and facilities prepare students to become industry leaders. We are proud to be a key player in OSU’s mission to build healthy communities, a sustainable planet, and a thriving economy.

Get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science & Technology

Food Science and Technology concerns the chemistry and engineering necessary to deliver safe, appealing and convenient food products from the farm gate to the food marketer. The academic program integrates principles and concepts in the physical, biological and engineering sciences, and applies them to the scientific and technological aspects of food processing. The role of the food scientist is to successfully integrate these disciplines to assure an abundant, high quality and nutritious food supply.

Learn about Graduate Programs

We offer graduate programs leading to both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Although most of our graduate students have Food Science or Fermentation Science backgrounds, a number of our students have prior degrees in engineering, chemistry, and a variety of other areas. We attract students from around the world as well as from throughout the United States.

Outreach & Extension

Through programs that advance OSU’s land-grant mission to serve the people Oregon and beyond, to industry training and resources for K-12 teachers, the Food Science and Technology Department is engaged in our communities.

Calendar of Events

In the News

Gadusol Laboratories is developing a nontoxic sunscreen using gadusol, a substance that fish and other marine life use to avoid sunburn. The startup plans to scale up a production system this year, going from lab- to pilot-scale.

A scientist at Oregon State University is developing edible food packing as well as edible coating for fruits and vegetables. Her goals: reduce plastic waste and keep food fresher longer. Katie Herzog visits Yanyun Zhao in her lab for...